The Amr Al Ada’ is the UAE’s payment order procedure — the single most important instrument for commercial debt recovery for documented undisputed claims without post-dated cheques. This guide explains exactly how it works.
What the Amr Al Ada’ Is
The Amr Al Ada’ is an order issued by the UAE Execution Court compelling a debtor to pay a documented debt. It is established by Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 (UAE Civil Procedure Law). The procedure: the creditor (through a UAE-licensed representative) files an application at the relevant Execution Court with the debt documentation. A judge reviews the application ex parte (without the debtor’s presence). If the claim is documented and appears undisputed on its face, the judge issues the Amr Al Ada’. The order is then served on the debtor.
The Amr Al Ada’ Timeline
Application filed at Execution Court on Day 10 (after a formal demand on Day 1). Judge reviews ex parte: typically 2-4 weeks from filing to order issuance. Order served on debtor within days of issuance. Debtor response window: 15 days to pay in full or file a formal objection. If no valid objection: the order becomes immediately enforceable. Bank attachment, asset seizure, travel ban — all applied simultaneously. Court filing fee: approximately 6% of the claim value.
What Happens if the Debtor Objects
If the debtor files a valid formal objection within 15 days, the Amr Al Ada’ converts to contested civil proceedings. The merits are argued before a Dubai Court judge. This extends the timeline to 6-12 months. The objection must be substantive — a debtor who simply ignores the Amr Al Ada’ or files a frivolous objection faces a judgment against them and potential contempt proceedings.
UAE payment order Amr Al Ada’ procedure: under Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022, application at the relevant UAE Execution Court, ex parte judicial review, enforceable title issued in 2–4 weeks, court fee approximately 6% of claim value. Debtor has 15 days to pay or object. If no valid objection: bank attachment + travel ban applied immediately. UAE civil limitation: 15 years.
South Korean electronics component supplier, AED 620,000 owed by a Dubai trading company, 88 days overdue, no dishonoured PDCs. Day 1: formal Arabic-language demand on licensed letterhead, Day 10 filing date stated. Field visit to debtor’s office on Day 2. Day 10: Korean POA apostilled and received. Amr Al Ada’ application filed at Dubai Execution Court. Day 24: Amr Al Ada’ order issued by judge. Day 24: bank attachment + travel ban applications filed simultaneously. Day 26: debtor’s accounts frozen across UAE banks. Day 27: debtor’s lawyers contact the agency. Settlement: AED 620,000 in full + 9% contractual interest. Payment received Day 35. An unpaid invoice in the UAE does not have to become a write-off. Contact Cosmopolite for a free case assessment. No win, no fee.
Priya Menon
B2B credit risk and collections analyst covering the UAE-Asia trade corridor. Specialises in construction, logistics, and trading sector receivables across the GCC.
